Exploitation Engineers

Job summary

GCHQ is offering an exciting opportunity to join a growing operational area responsible for the interception and exploitation of global communications in support of the UK Government, the UK military and our allies.

Job description

You will initially join our Communications Exploitation development team, where you will be supported in developing the skills needed to exploit global communications. Through a combination of on-the-job-training, innovative experimentation and prototyping, you’ll help deliver real-world mission outcomes

If you have a passion for technology and are keen to build a career using innovative engineering to support GCHQ’s mission, this role could be for you.

As a Exploitation Engineer, you’ll work as part of an Agile team to design, develop and deploy technical solutions that support mission requirements. Using a combination of software, firmware and hardware engineering, you’ll contribute across the full engineering lifecycle, from understanding user needs to development, testing and deployment.

Many of the challenges you’ll encounter will be complex, with no obvious solution. You’ll therefore undertake research, prototyping and experimentation to develop innovative approaches that meet operational needs. You’ll also work closely with operators to ensure technologies you develop can be deployed effectively across global networks and military platforms.

Typical work within the Communications Exploitation development team includes researching emerging communications technologies, developing software and signal-processing capabilities, applying AI to complex challenges, and designing bespoke hardware and RF solutions.

You’ll use a variety of modern programming languages, tools and frameworks, including JavaScript, Java, C++, Python, Rust, Go and .NET. Depending on the work you undertake, you may also use technologies such as Kubernetes, MATLAB, VHDL and FPGA-based platforms to develop and deploy operational capabilities.

You’ll work with a broad range of technologies while developing your expertise through practical experience and collaboration. As part of our Communications Exploitation development team, you’ll work alongside colleagues, the military and international partners to deliver solutions that support UK interests at home and overseas.

If you’re successful in securing a Exploitation Engineer role, please note that occasional travel to another GCHQ site may be required. Where overnight stays are necessary, GCHQ will fully cover travel and accommodation expenses.

Person specification

We’re looking for people with a passion for technology and engineering. You’ll have studied a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) subject, such as Physics, Software Engineering or Electronic Engineering, gained through a diploma, foundation degree, apprenticeship or equivalent programme.

A completed qualification isn’t essential. What’s most important is curiosity, enthusiasm for learning and an interest in developing your technical skills.

You may have gained practical experience through university projects, placements, apprenticeships, personal projects or hobbies. We’re particularly interested in how you’ve applied your knowledge to solve problems, develop solutions and explore new ideas.

You’ll have experience of at least one modern programming language or framework, such as C++, Go, Java, JavaScript, .NET, Node.js, Python or Rust. Experience working with technologies such as Kubernetes would be valuable. In addition, you’ll have an understanding of at least one of the following areas: digital signal processing, telecommunications and signal protocols, RF engineering, or FPGA and VHDL.

Experience using AI to support software development, code generation or problem-solving would be beneficial.

Benefits

You’ll receive a base salary of £35,134, a concessionary payment of £2,758, and a skills payment of up to £3,822, assessed at interview and awarded from day one, giving a starting salary of up to £41,714. Plus, a £2,000 recruitment bonus.

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising automatically to 30 days after five years' service, plus 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays

• opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme

• interest-free season ticket loan

• an excellent pension scheme

• a cycle to work scheme

• on-site facilities such as a subsidised gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars (available at some locations)

• paid parental and adoption leave.

Training and development

We’ll support you in developing the skills needed for the role through a combination of technical learning, mentoring from experienced engineers, and practical experience working on communications exploitation capabilities.

You’ll build specialist expertise in areas such as global communications networks, protocol analysis and digital signal processing, while also gaining exposure to technologies and disciplines including systems design, site reliability engineering, data engineering, solutions architecture, machine learning operations, Agile delivery and cloud engineering.

You’ll have opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and partners across government, the military and allied organisations, helping you develop a broad understanding of the technical and operational environment in which we work.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

What to expect

Our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. Here is a brief overview of each stage, in order:

• An initial online application form including pre-screening questions to ensure you meet our eligibility criteria.

• Online Situational Judgement Test (SJT) in which you rate the appropriateness of responses to a series of short scenarios.

• In-person assessment centre.

Please note, you must successfully pass each stage of the process to progress to the next. Your application may take around 6 to 9 months to process, including vetting, so we advise that you continue in any current employment until you have received your final job offer.

Equal opportunities

At GCHQ, diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce, such as women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity